DOCSLIB.ORG

Congenital and Hereditary Diseases to Be Diagnosed in the Kitten

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Congenital and Hereditary Diseases to Be Diagnosed in the Kitten Congenital and hereditary diseases to be diagnosed in the kitten Dr. Andrea Muennich Dipl. ECAR Referral centre for reproduction D-16321 Bernau Friedenstr. 60 GERMANY [email protected] Congenital diseases are those, visible or non visible, but present at birth. They could be from genetic origin or they can represent a teratogenic cause, in some cases also phenocopies. Phenocopies show the clinical appearance known also for classical genetic defects, but they were acquired during embryogenesis by teratogenic factors. If there is no genetic test available for the specific breed or disease, the causes will be often unspecified. Anomalies of microanatomic or biochemical type usually go unreported and are included under stillbirths, faders, or undetermined causes, if kittens die early. Some anomalies in the brain, heart, or respiratory system can cause immediate threat to life, resulting in death at birth or within the first days, weeks or months, whereas other malformations remain unnoticed for a different period, depending on the localisation. In most cases, pathologic and histological examination is the only possibility to diagnose non visible malformations. The occurrence of a pathognomonic symptom– a typical sign on which a diagnosis or a suspicion can be made - helps in some cases to be able to recognise the problem. In other cases, X-ray, sonography , endoscopy, or blood tests can help to diagnose the defect and to make a prognosis. Some of internal defects ones can find accidentally (e.g.during surgery or necropsy). Live born kittens should be euthanised if they show an untreatable condition. 1 defects and malformations visible at birth (selection) Palatoschisis (cleft palate, cleft lip) All degrees of cleft palate are conditions that should be easily to diagnose after birth by inspection of the oral cavity. A cleft palate is a common malformation we have to deal with. Both in puppies and kittens – esp. Simese cats - an incomplete embryonic closure of the palate occurs. There is a high degree of variability in the cleft palate complex. In some cases, only the soft and hard palate is affected, in others additionally a cleft lip occurs as an unilateral defect in the lip or in the floor of the nostril (Cheilo- Gnato-Palatoschisis). The cause may be congenital only (hypervitaminosis A, administration of corticosteroids, metronidazole, griseofulvin … during pregnancy) or inherited with a simple recessive or irregular dominant trait. A lack of folic acid like in human medicine is not very likely in kittens. A small extent of the defect allows surgical repair of a cleft palate, but not earlier than 8-10 weeks of age. Tube feeding is the only effective method of providing adequate nutrition until surgery. Especially in large defects breeders often decide to euthanize the newborn kitten. It is also recommended in combined malformations. Herniation (most common: umbilical-, abdominal-, inguinal hernia) The abnormal protrusion of an organ, parts of an organ or other body structures through a defect or a natural opening is called herniation. Umbilical hernia is a type of abdominal herniation in which parts of the intestine or omentum protrudes at the umbilicus and can be covered with skin and subcutaneous tissue. Most cases are inherited, but umbilical hernia can also be acquired. There is no genetic test available. The hernia of an intestinal loop into the inguinal canal is called inguinal hernia. In male kittens it is also called a scrotal hernia. A familiar disposition becomes often obvious. Early surgery is the best way to treat the condition. If it is no emergency, the defect should be closed between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Congenital anorectal anomalies Imperforate anus, segmental aplasia, rectovaginal fistula or rectal urethral fistula rarely occur. From all, imperforate anus is the most common. Both terratogenic and hereditary reasons are suspected, but genetic testing is not availble yet. The treatment depends on the dimension and size of the malformation (anal atresia, several types). In fistulas, it is advised to wait with surgery up to the 12th week, if it is medically justifiable. Spina bifida (spinal dysraphism) Spina bifida is the most common vertebral lesion from spinal dysraphism and refers to a defective fusion of the vertebral arch. The dorsal spine and vertebral arch are absent. It is suspected a malformation due to arrested development. Some lesions can also originate from inherited cause (sacrocaudal vertebral dysgenesis as an autosomal dominant trait e.g. in Manx cats). In severe cases the kittens die early after birth or should be euthanized. Hydrops universalis (anasarca) Anasarca is a gross edema of the entire body of a fetus/newborn kitten. The causes are usually non- infectious, it is suspected cardiac malformations, fetal kidney diseases or a disturbance of the lymphatic systeme/vessels. These enlarged fetusses often induce a birth problem (obstructive dystocia). Diagnosis can be made by ultrasound (liquid within the subcutaneous tissue), but not by X- ray (normal skeleton). Affected kittens usually die immediately after birth. Acrania /anencephalic kittens Anencephaly is a type of cranial dysraphism. It is a condition in which the brain is absent at birth, or only basal nuclei and cerebellum are developed. In single pup pregnancies, prolonged gestation is observed. There is no genetic test available, but in Burmese cats a simple autosomal recessive mode in craniofacial anomalies is known. 2 defects that appear within the first weeks Pectus excavatum Pectus excavatum is a result of a sternal malformation. The sternum extends into the thoracic cavity and the ventral rib ends turn medially to meet the displaced sternum. The condition is more often found in the Maincoon, but also in other breeds. Affected kittens esp. those with a flat chest are unable to walk and breath in a normal way. Such kittens mostly lay in ventral recumbancy. The most important problem is the dislocation of the heart and the lung, leading to pneumonia and difficult breathing. Surgical repair is indicated in severe cases, no specific tretment is required in mild cases. Hydrocephalus Most cases of congenital hydrocephalus in kittens are from internal type. Congenital hydrocephalus results from structural defects that either obstruct CSF outflow or impede absorption. Some cases appear to progress after birth (continued accumulation of CSF in the ventricular system e.g. in computed tomography). Clinical signs can vary from minimal up to marked neurologic dysfunctions (dome-shaped calvarium, blindness, seizures, ventrolateral strabismus). An open fontanelle is not from diagnostic value. Ultrasonography or MRT are useful tools for diagnosis. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Clinically, affected kittens regularly show retarded growth compared to litter mates. Degenertive neurologic diseases in cats include GM, gangliosidosis (Korat cat), congenital strabismus and nystagmus (Simese cat), or sacrocaudal malformations (Manx cat). Anophthalmia, microphthalmia Anophthalmia, a complete absence of the globe, is extremely rare. In most cases, there is still primitive ocular tissue left. Microphthalmia, retinal dysplasia, and tapetal aplasia have been reported to be hereditary but also after intrauterine infections in Domestic Shorthait kittens. Multiple anomalies have been described in Persian cats. Administration of griseofulvin in pregnant queens can cause microphthalmia, anophthalmia, or optic nerve aplasia. Diaphragmatic hernia There are two types: peritoneopericardial hernia and pleuroperitoneo-diaphragmatic hernia. The first type is much more common in young cats. A ventral diaphragmatic defect allows abdominal viscera to intrude into the pericardial sac. The defect could be developmental and does not appear to be inherited. Although some references suspect a genetic basis, a mode of inheritance is not known for any breed. Clinical signs depend on the protruded organ(s). Gastrointestinal or pulmonary signs are most common. Diagnosis can be made by X-ray and ultrasonography. Treatment, if indicated, is usually surgical. Megaoesophagus Idiopathic forms of megaesophagus (congenital or aquired) are caused by a dysfunction of the primary motor system of the esophagus. This results in an abnormal transport of the ingesta between the pharynx and the stomach. Siamese and Siamese-related breeds have the highest incidence. From infectious causes, viral infections and toxoplasmosis contribute to the development of megaoesophagus. The incidence is highest in special dog breeds, but in some cases it occurs also in kittens. Clinical signs (regurgitation, foetor ex ore, pneumonia…) occur mostly after the 3rd week with changes is nutrition up to weaning. Contrast radiography helps to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment depends on prognosis and usually consists of conservative therapy (feeding in standing position and keeping the head up, vitamin B administration, antibiotics in the case of aspiration). Figure: Kitten, 7 weeks, with megaoesophagus, 5 min after aplication of contrast medium 3 Malformations in kittens usually visible beyond 4 weeks Ectopic ureters An ectopic ureter is a congenital anomaly in which the ureter terminates abnormally outside the urinary bladder (intramural, extramural with termination into the urethra or vagina). Unilateral and bilateral ureteral ectopia occurs both in male and female kittens, although the incidence is much lower compared to dogs. In cats, familiar or breed predilections have not been found. Usually it
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Abyssinian Cat Club Type: Breed
    Abyssinian Cat Association Abyssinian Cat Club Asian Cat Association Type: Breed - Abyssinian Type: Breed – Abyssinian Type: Breed – Asian LH, Asian SH www.abycatassociation.co.uk www.abyssiniancatclub.com http://acacats.co.uk/ Asian Group Cat Society Australian Mist Cat Association Australian Mist Cat Society Type: Breed – Asian LH, Type: Breed – Australian Mist Type: Breed – Australian Mist Asian SH www.australianmistcatassociation.co.uk www.australianmistcats.co.uk www.asiangroupcatsociety.co.uk Aztec & Ocicat Society Balinese & Siamese Cat Club Balinese Cat Society Type: Breed – Aztec, Ocicat Type: Breed – Balinese, Siamese Type: Breed – Balinese www.ocicat-classics.club www.balinesecatsociety.co.uk Bedford & District Cat Club Bengal Cat Association Bengal Cat Club Type: Area Type: PROVISIONAL Breed – Type: Breed – Bengal Bengal www.thebengalcatclub.com www.bedfordanddistrictcatclub.com www.bengalcatassociation.co.uk Birman Cat Club Black & White Cat Club Blue Persian Cat Society Type: Breed – Birman Type: Breed – British SH, Manx, Persian Type: Breed – Persian www.birmancatclub.co.uk www.theblackandwhitecatclub.org www.bluepersiancatsociety.co.uk Blue Pointed Siamese Cat Club Bombay & Asian Cats Breed Club Bristol & District Cat Club Type: Breed – Siamese Type: Breed – Asian LH, Type: Area www.bpscc.org.uk Asian SH www.bristol-catclub.co.uk www.bombayandasiancatsbreedclub.org British Shorthair Cat Club Bucks, Oxon & Berks Cat Burmese Cat Association Type: Breed – British SH, Society Type: Breed – Burmese Manx Type: Area www.burmesecatassociation.org
    [Show full text]
  • Ecvo Manual: Breeds 2019
    ECVO MANUAL: BREEDS 2019 Persian Cat F.Lhonoré/LOOF© Ocular disorders known or presumed to be inherited (published) Diagnosis Description and com- Inheritance Gene/ References ments specific to the marker test breed A Eyelid aplasia Mostly upper eyelids Unknown NO 1, 2 Entropion Medial canthal Unknown NO 3-5 B (associated with brachycephalic morphology) Apocrine Unknown NO 6-8 C hidro- cystomas Prolapsed Unknown NO 9 D gland of the nictitating membrane E Corneal Unknown NO 10-12 sequestrae F Nonhealing Unknown NO 13 corneal ulcers G Microcornea Associated with Unknown NO 14 microphthalmia Corneal Unknown NO 14 H dystrophy, endothelial I Uveal cyst Unknown NO 15 Persistent Unknown NO 14 J pupillary membrane Known and Presumed Hereditary Eye Diseases (KP-HED) in Dogs and Cats ECVO MANUAL: BREEDS 2019 K Primary Unknown NO 2, 16, 17 glaucoma Kerato- Unknown NO 18 L lenticular dysgenesis Cataract Congenital (Posterior Unknown NO 19, 20 nuclear is described) (autosomal dominant has been suggested) M Unknown Presumed inherited NO 20 Retinal Early onset Autosomal YES 21-23, 30 degeneration uncoordinated eye recessive N (Persian- movement is often derived) observed Multiple Unknown NO 1 O colobomatous anomalies Lacrimal Unknown NO 29 P punctum atresia Q Entropion Unknown NO 29 The ECVO’s advice relating to hereditary eye disease control Please see ECVO Manual chapter 8: VET Advice Recommendations regarding age and frequency for eye examinations Please see ECVO Manual chapter 7: ECVO Age and Frequency recommendations Other diseases with ocular involvement Known and Presumed Hereditary Eye Diseases (KP-HED) in Dogs and Cats ECVO MANUAL: BREEDS 2019 Diagnosis Source A Chediak-Higashi Syndrome 24 B Alfa-Mannosidosis 25-29 References 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Genetic Testing in Domestic Cats
    Molecular and Cellular Probes xxx (2012) 1e7 Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect Molecular and Cellular Probes journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ymcpr Genetic testing in domestic cats Leslie A. Lyons* Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California e Davis, 4206 VetMed 3A, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA article info abstract Article history: Varieties of genetic tests are currently available for the domestic cat that support veterinary health care, Received 6 December 2011 breed management, species identification, and forensic investigations. Approximately thirty-five genes Received in revised form contain over fifty mutations that cause feline health problems or alterations in the cat’s appearance. 12 April 2012 Specific genes, such as sweet and drug receptors, have been knocked-out of Felidae during evolution and Accepted 13 April 2012 can be used along with mtDNA markers for species identification. Both STR and SNP panels differentiate Available online xxx cat race, breed, and individual identity, as well as gender-specific markers to determine sex of an indi- vidual. Cat genetic tests are common offerings for commercial laboratories, allowing both the veterinary Keywords: Domestic cat clinician and the private owner to obtain DNA test results. This article will review the genetic tests for the fi Feline domestic cat, and their various applications in different elds of science. Highlighted are genetic tests Genetic testing specific to the individual cat, which are a part of the cat’s genome. Identification Ó 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Mutations Parentage 1. Introduction 2. Domestic cat genetic testing Genetic testing has been available in the domestic cat since the 2.1.
    [Show full text]
  • Bulletinbulletin Are Particularly Dangerous for Dogs and Can Cause Seizures, Coma and Death
    Best Friends SUMMER 2019 VeterinariansTidbit.. have been seeing more dogs with marijuana intoxication, primarily from eating their owners’ cannabis products. Edible marijuana products that contain chocolate BulletinBulletin are particularly dangerous for dogs and can cause seizures, coma and death. Dogs love the scent of marijuana and will eat discarded marijuana cigarette butts, marijuana-laced food and even human feces tainted with the drug. To the Best Friends Veterinary Center family, hello! My name is Dr. Alexandra Ripperger, and I am Dear Clients & Friends... the new associate veterinarian at BFVC. It’s been a long time since our last newsletter. 2019 was the I am absolutely thrilled to be joining first spring since 1994 that I haven’t written a spring newsletter. the team this summer and look forward Too many patients to see and not enough hours in the day! to getting to know you and your furry Dr. Wilder and I are worn out from getting through our busiest family members in the future. Some of time of year with only the two of us – but we have a light at the you may have seen me before at BFVC- I end of our tunnel! At long last, our new veterinarian, Dr. Alex was lucky enough to do externships here Ripperger, starts in late July. We really like her and we hope you during my final years of veterinary school. Dr. Boss and everyone do as well! You can find a letter of introduction from her at right. at BFVC strives to create a positive clinic culture focused on We have several new staff members since the first of the year, patient-centered care and superb client education.
    [Show full text]
  • HIMALAYAN HIGHLIGHTS Ben and Ann Borrett (Of Chestermere)
    Chestermere Cajun of Sa-Bon 0: Sam & Bonnie Myers Gr. Ch. Dunbrody's Sneak Preview B-0: Dick Rhodes 452 C.F.A. HIMALAYAN HIGHLIGHTS Ben and Ann Borrett (of Chestermere) Ann Ben Perhaps first of all we should clarify the fact that a Longhair is not classified by type. A Longhair does not necessarily mean a Per- sian. Therefore those who make statements about the "Longhairs-or- Persians" in one breath, as if they were one and the same, are not accurate ; Longhairs are just that, cats with Long hair. Possibly the most numerous of the Longhair Breeds is our lovely Persian, in all its many beautiful colors. There is the Himalayan Breed of Longhair, and we hear talk of the revival of the earlier Angora Breed of Longhair (CFA. YB 1970). Then we have the Sacred Cat of Burma or Birman, a breed of Longhair, and the Balinese is yet another. The Maine Coon Cat is a Longhair Breed, as is the Turkish Cat, and there was the Longhair Russian Blue of yesteryear (CFA YB. 1967). It is not unreasonable to suppose that many of our present shorthair breeds and colors of cat, may, if the interest occurs, be bred to produce long fur. Indeed, already the Longhaired Manx and the Longhaired Abyssinians are not uncommon, and it could be only a matter of time before many more different types of Longhair cats are produced in sufficient numbers to warrant recognition for competi- tion in Championship Shows. No amount of contradicting can alter the above facts — there is no such thing as the "Longhair Type," for each is different in some way.
    [Show full text]
  • Wednesday Slide Conference 2008-2009
    PROCEEDINGS DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY WEDNESDAY SLIDE CONFERENCE 2008-2009 ARMED FORCES INSTITUTE OF PATHOLOGY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20306-6000 2009 ML2009 Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Department of Veterinary Pathology WEDNESDAY SLIDE CONFERENCE 2008-2009 100 Cases 100 Histopathology Slides 249 Images PROCEEDINGS PREPARED BY: Todd Bell, DVM Chief Editor: Todd O. Johnson, DVM, Diplomate ACVP Copy Editor: Sean Hahn Layout and Copy Editor: Fran Card WSC Online Management and Design Scott Shaffer ARMED FORCES INSTITUTE OF PATHOLOGY Washington, D.C. 20306-6000 2009 ML2009 i PREFACE The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Department of Veterinary Pathology has conducted a weekly slide conference during the resident training year since 12 November 1953. This ever- changing educational endeavor has evolved into the annual Wednesday Slide Conference program in which cases are presented on 25 Wednesdays throughout the academic year and distributed to 135 contributing military and civilian institutions from around the world. Many of these institutions provide structured veterinary pathology resident training programs. During the course of the training year, histopathology slides, digital images, and histories from selected cases are distributed to the participating institutions and to the Department of Veterinary Pathology at the AFIP. Following the conferences, the case diagnoses, comments, and reference listings are posted online to all participants. This study set has been assembled in an effort to make Wednesday Slide Conference materials available to a wider circle of interested pathologists and scientists, and to further the education of veterinary pathologists and residents-in-training. The number of histopathology slides that can be reproduced from smaller lesions requires us to limit the number of participating institutions.
    [Show full text]
  • The Persian- Enjoyment & Evaluation LEGEND of PERSIAN
    The Persian- Enjoyment & Evaluation LEGEND OF PERSIAN In 525BC King Cambyses of Persia conquered Egypt. When the soldiers went home they took with them some of the sacred cats of Egypt. Since the climate of Persia was much colder than that of Egypt, the cats through the generations developed longer thicker fur In 331BC, Persia was itself conquered by Alexander the Great. The Persian court fled to the plains of Chorassan, taking with them their prized Persian Cats Legend -2 The weather on the plains was even colder than before and the cats had to adapt to an even harsher climate By 247 AD when the Parthian empire arose the Persian cat had evolved to look much more as it does today The shorter face and cobby body has resulted from selective breeding over the succeeding years. EVALUATING THE PERSIAN As with all breeds the evaluation should be founded totally and completely by the standard for the breed The Persian has 35 points allocated to the head, 35 points allocated to the body , 20 points to the Coat/Color/Pattern, and 10 points for other (Condition and Balance) EVALUATION- GENERAL In preparing this presentation we will be talking about the standard and giving some tips on how to evaluate the characteristic. Although the head and the body of the Persian are equally weighted many consider the head as the basis of the Persian Let’s first talk about the head and how best to evaluate it. We will be using pictures and drawings to illustrate our presentation THE PERSIAN HEAD The shape as defined by the standard is “Round, broad, smooth domed with great breadth.
    [Show full text]
  • Persians and Other Long-Haired Cats
    ANIMALS OF THE WORLD Persians and Other Long-haired Cats What does a Persian cat look like? How did the Persian breed develop? What kind of personalities do Persian cats have? Read Persians and Other Long-haired Cats to find out! What did you learn? QUESTIONS 1. The Persian breed is from ... 4. Cats should have a checkup at least ... a. Peru and Bolivia a. Twice a year b. France and England b. Once a year c. China and Japan c. Twice a month d. Persia and Turkey d. Once a month 2. Persian cats need to be bathed 5. What type of cat is this? at least ... a. Once a month b. Once a year c. Once a week d. Once a day 3. When a cat is angry it will ... 6. What type of cat is this? a. Purr b. Meow c. Hiss d. Roll over TRUE OR FALSE? _____ 1. All cats are members of the _____ 4. Aloe is poisonous to cats. family Felidae. _____ 5. In most cat shows, the animals _____ 2. Persians need to eat grass with are judged on how well they every meal. conform to the standards for that particular breed. _____ 3. The Somali breed developed from the offspring of Abyssinian _____ 6. The Siberian is the national cat of cats. the United States. © World Book, Inc. All rights reserved. ANSWERS 1. d. Persia and Turkey. According to 4. b. Once a year. According to section section “How Did the Persian Breed Develop?” “What Routine Veterinary Care Is Needed?” on page 10, we know that “At that time, on page 58, we know that “Cats should European traders brought home long-haired have a checkup at least once a year.” So, the cats from Persia (now Iran) and Turkey.” So, correct answer is A.
    [Show full text]
  • Red Cat, Blue Cat Free
    FREE RED CAT, BLUE CAT PDF Jenni Desmond | 40 pages | 25 Sep 2012 | Blue Apple Books | 9781609052485 | English | Maplewood, United States 8 Blue Cat Breeds The red cat is a common type that is always tabby in pattern, and males far outnumber females. They are more commonly called orange, ginger, marmalade, yellow, butter, caramel, or butterscotch. Red cats are not their own breed and you can find them in many cat breeds as well as moggies cats with no pedigree. They may Blue Cat shorthair or longhair cats. If you are looking for a Blue Cat ginger cat, you will have a wide variety of breeds and coats to choose from. You may want a red cat that has tiger Red Cat or one with Blue Cat or patches. Many people believe that red cats have warm personalities that match their coat color, thinking they tend to be mellow, loving cats. However, cats are individuals Blue Cat you may find yours Blue Cat be a bossy alpha cat or one with a fiery, hot temper. Cat personalities are not as typically linked to breeds as are those of dogs. They haven't been bred for skills and temperaments as dogs have. But if you are looking for a Red Cat personality, start with researching what is usual for different cat breeds. The reason a cat is red lies in the genes and chromosomes the cat has inherited. The red color gene O codes for the production of the red pigment phaeomelanin. It is dominant, so it masks all of the other colors such as black and variants of black.
    [Show full text]
  • Cat Flea from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia
    Log in / create account article discussion edit this page history Cat flea From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is one of the most abundant and widespread fleas in the world. Cat flea Contents navigation Main page 1 Overview Contents 2 Life cycle Featured content 3 Effects on the hosts Current events 4 Disease transmission Random article 5 References search 6 External links 6.1 Flea Treatment Scientific classification Go Search Overview [edit] Domain: Eukaryota interaction The cat flea's primary host is the domestic cat, but this is also the primary flea infesting dogs in most of the Kingdom: Animalia About Wikipedia world. The cat flea can also maintain its life cycle on other carnivores and on the Virginia opossum. Rabbits, Phylum: Arthropoda Community portal rodents, ruminants and humans can be infested or bitten, but a population of cat fleas cannot be sustained by Recent changes Class: Insecta [citation needed] Contact Wikipedia these aberrant hosts. Order: Siphonaptera Donate to Wikipedia Help Life cycle [edit] Family: Pulicidae Genus: Ctenocephalides toolbox The female cat flea lays her eggs on the host, but the eggs, once dry, What links here have evolved to filter out of the haircoat of the host into the resting and Species: C. felis Related changes sheltering area of the host. Upload file Binomial name Special pages Ctenocephalides felis Printable version (Bouché, 1835) Permanent link Cite this page The eggs hatch into larvae, which are negatively phototaxic, meaning that languages Photo showing some they hide from light in the substrate. Flea larvae feed on a variety of organic characteristics used to identify from Deutsch substances, but most importantly subsist on dried blood that is filtered out other fleas, including genal comb Français of the haircoat of the host after it is deposited there as adult flea fecal Nederlands material.
    [Show full text]
  • Gross Causes of Neonatal Mortality in Devon Rex and Persian Kittens By
    Gross Causes of Neonatal Mortality in Devon Rex and Persian Kittens by Holly Omoto A THESIS submitted to Oregon State University Honors College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Honors Baccalaureate of Science in Animal Sciences (Honors Scholar) Presented May 16, 2019 Commencement June 2019 AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Holly Omoto for the degree of Honors Baccalaureate of Science in Animal Sciences presented on May 16, 2019. Title: Gross Causes of Neonatal Mortality in Devon Rex and Persian Kittens. Abstract approved: _____________________________________________________ Michelle Kutzler Post-mortem examinations were performed on 29 deceased Persian kittens from 13 different litters, and 30 deceased Devon Rex kittens from 18 different litters in order to identify gross anatomical abnormalities. Fifteen kittens were stillborn (8 Devon Rex, 7 Persian), 17 kittens died during the first day of life (16 Devon Rex, 1 Persian), 14 kittens died later in the first week of life (5 Devon Rex, 9 Persian), and 13 kittens died during the second week of life (1 Devon Rex, 12 Persian). The average age at death excluding stillborn kittens was 5.2±4.7 days for both breeds, 1.8±2.0 days for Devon Rex kittens, and 8.5±4.2 days for Persian kittens. The most common sign reported by the cat breeders before death was dyspnea, with 12 kittens affected (11 Devon Rex, 1 Persian). Postmortem examination findings included pyothorax (9 Devon Rex kittens), pigmenturia (4 Devon Rex, 2 Persian kittens). It is estimated that at least 22.0% (13/59) of neonatal mortalities were due to infectious etiologies, at least 6.8% (4/59) were due to noninfectious etiologies, (n=7), and up to 71.2% (42/59) were classified as idiopathic.
    [Show full text]
  • The Persian Cat
    The Persian Cat The Persian cat has been one of the top cat breeds for well over 100 years. If you wanted to write about the Persian cat in a few words you would say that this is a stocky cat (rounded and quite large) of many different colors and patterns with a flat face, small ears and a long but unclear history that starts before 1900. History The history of this cat is an interesting topic. There is a question mark over where it comes from. The Persian is named after a country that was called Persia and which is now called Iran. There is a story that the Persian was brought to Italy from Persia in 1620, about 400 years ago. But this may not be the complete story. The Persian may have come from Turkey. What is probably true is that this cat breed comes from an area which includes Turkey and Iran. Because the cat's appearance has changed so much it cannot be said that it comes from Iran. The first Persian cats were very different to the modern Persian cats. This is an important part of Persian cat facts. The first cats were fairly regular looking cats, like long haired moggies. Then around 1950 people who liked the Persian cat wanted to make the cat look more interesting and glamorous. They did this through “selective breeding” which is basically putting two cats together that they liked the look of and hoping that their kittens would be cats that they liked even more. If you do this sort of thing for years you end up with a cat that looks very different.
    [Show full text]